1. Supreme Court Directive on Sacred Groves

Why in News?

On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court directed Rajasthan’s Forest Department to map all sacred groves (locally known as orans) using satellite and ground surveys. The court emphasized their cultural and ecological importance, regardless of their size.

• Rajasthan has around 25,000 sacred groves, covering about 6 lakh hectares.
• The directive raises concerns over a potential conflict with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.

Implications of the Supreme Court Order

1. Conflict with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

• FRA recognizes and grants forest rights to gram sabhas (village assemblies).
• The Supreme Court’s order could shift control of sacred groves to the Forest Department, potentially overriding FRA provisions.

2. Loss of Community Autonomy

• Sacred groves have been traditionally protected and managed by local communities.
• The order may place them under state governance, disrupting cultural conservation practices.

3. Weakening of Traditional Governance Systems

• Many sacred groves are managed using customary laws that restrict deforestation and resource extraction.
• If transferred to state control, these traditional systems may weaken, affecting long-standing conservation practices.

4. Legal Precedence for Future Cases

• The Supreme Court prioritizes the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972 over FRA, 2006.
• This could set a precedent for future cases, allowing the state to take over community-managed lands in the name of conservation.

5. Impact on Livelihoods and Religious Practices

• Sacred groves are important for religious, medicinal, and grazing purposes.
• If classified as ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, restrictions may be imposed on local use.

Legal Context

1. T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India (1996)

• This landmark case expanded the definition of ‘forest land’ to include any area recorded as forest, regardless of ownership.
• The judgment instructed states to form expert committees to properly identify and map forests.
• This case has been used to justify stricter environmental regulations, often conflicting with community rights under FRA.

Traditional Conservation Practices in Sacred Groves

1. Watershed & Ecological Functions

• Sacred groves protect water sources and prevent soil erosion.
• Example: Orans in Rajasthan sustain perennial water streams and serve as grazing lands for local livestock.

2. Strict Protection through Customary Laws

• Many groves are governed by local taboos and restrictions on resource use.
• Example: Sarpa Kavu in Kerala, dedicated to serpent deities, has a strict prohibition on tree cutting.

3. Religious & Cultural Practices

• Sacred groves are centers of rituals and worship, reinforcing their conservation.
• Example: Devara Kadu in Karnataka involves annual worship ceremonies, strengthening local conservation efforts.

4. Community Governance & Management

• Village councils or elders oversee protection of sacred groves.
• Example: Jahera in Odisha and Chhattisgarh—tribal communities actively manage and safeguard these groves.

5. Biodiversity Preservation

• Sacred groves serve as biodiversity hotspots, protecting rare and endemic species.
• Example: Law Kyntang in Meghalaya harbors rare orchids and medicinal plants.

Way Forward

1. Harmonizing Legal Frameworks

• Policies should integrate FRA, WLPA, and environmental laws to ensure a balanced approach between community rights and conservation.

2. Community-Centric Conservation

• Local communities should be empowered to manage sacred groves, combining traditional wisdom with scientific conservation strategies.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s directive highlights the challenge of balancing ecological conservation with community rights. While mapping and protection of sacred groves is essential, local governance and traditional conservation methods must be preserved to maintain both environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.

Key Terms to Remember:

• Sacred Groves (Orans) – Traditional forest areas protected by local communities for religious and ecological reasons.
• Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 – Recognizes forest dwellers’ rights over land and resources.
• Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972 – Protects wildlife but can restrict community access to forest areas.
• T.N. Godavarman Case, 1996 – Expanded the legal definition of forests in India.
• Community Reserves – Protected areas under WLPA, 1972, allowing restricted community involvement.

2. PRASHAD Scheme

Why in News?

• A Parliamentary committee has urged the government to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and obtain necessary approvals to ensure timely execution of projects under the Spiritual Tourism Circuits linked to the PRASHAD scheme.
• The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014 to enhance cultural preservation and spiritual tourism at designated pilgrimage destinations.

Objectives of the PRASHAD Scheme

1. Infrastructure Improvement

• Upgrading & maintaining facilities at pilgrimage sites.
• Includes better roads, water supply, sanitation, and waste management.

2. Travel Connectivity

• Enhancing road, rail, and air connectivity to pilgrimage destinations.

3. Conservation Projects

• Preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of important pilgrimage sites.

4. Cultural Advocacy

• Promoting awareness about the historical and spiritual significance of pilgrimage sites to attract domestic & international tourists.

5. Community Opportunities

• Skill development programs to generate employment for locals involved in pilgrimage tourism.

6. Sustainable Practices

• Adopting eco-friendly tourism models to ensure sustainable development.

Key Components of the PRASHAD Scheme

1. Infrastructure Development – Focus on upgrading roads, pathways, and essential utilities at religious sites.
2. Connectivity Enhancement – Improving transport facilities to ease pilgrim access.
3. Pilgrim Experience Augmentation – Enhancing facilities & services to improve the overall tourist experience.

Funding & Financial Model

• 100% centrally funded scheme for eligible project components.
• Additional funding sources include:
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for specific projects.

Significance of the PRASHAD Scheme

• Boosts spiritual tourism, which is a key segment of India’s tourism industry.
• Enhances infrastructure at major pilgrimage destinations, improving visitor experience.
• Supports local economies by generating employment opportunities.
• Preserves cultural and religious heritage, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The PRASHAD scheme plays a crucial role in revitalizing India’s spiritual tourism sector, ensuring better infrastructure, connectivity, and cultural preservation. The Parliamentary committee’s recommendation for a structured SOP and timely approvals highlights the need for efficient implementation to maximize the scheme’s impact.

3. Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme

Why in News?

The Ministry of Culture has announced the implementation of a Central Sector Scheme titled ‘Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)’ to support and preserve India’s traditional performing arts.

Key Details

Introduction

• Launched: Financial Year 2003-04
• Objective: Preservation and promotion of India’s traditional performing arts by providing financial support to both Gurus (mentors) and Shishyas (students).

Aims and Objectives

The scheme is designed to:
✅ Preserve and revive rare and traditional art forms through direct knowledge transfer.
✅ Support traditional artists financially to ensure a sustainable livelihood.
✅ Encourage young talent by facilitating structured training under experienced Gurus.
✅ Promote classical, folk, and tribal art forms by strengthening the Guru-Shishya mentorship tradition.

Financial Assistance

💰 Monthly Financial Support is structured as follows:

Eligibility Criteria

✔ Indian citizens engaged in traditional performing arts.
✔ Gurus must be between 45-70 years old and have national-level recognition.

Implementation & Monitoring

🔹 Each Guru is responsible for training 5-8 Shishyas, focusing especially on rural and tribal artists.
🔹 Periodic reviews and expert evaluations are conducted to ensure effective fund utilization.

Significance

🔸 Strengthens the Guru-Shishya tradition, which is integral to India’s cultural heritage.
🔸 Helps in sustaining rare art forms that might otherwise be lost.
🔸 Provides financial security to artists, encouraging more youth participation.

Conclusion

The Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme plays a vital role in preserving India’s artistic traditions by ensuring structured mentorship, financial aid, and direct transmission of knowledge from masters to students.

This scheme is crucial for protecting India’s diverse cultural heritage and empowering artists in classical, folk, and tribal art forms.

4. India Must Address Illegal Emigration with Empathy and Urgency

Why in News?

The rising number of deportations of Indian nationals from the U.S. has highlighted the issue of illegal immigration. This is largely due to:

• Stricter U.S. immigration enforcement (led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE).
• Economic hardships in India, especially in states like Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
• Increased deportations: 725,000 undocumented Indians live in the U.S., with deportations rising by 400% in the last three years (1,529 deported in 2024 vs. 292 in 2021).

Key Issues and Implications

1. Legal Migration Channels

• The Indian government promotes legal pathways like H-1B visas for skilled workers and student visas to regulate migration.
• However, many Indians still resort to illegal migration due to limited legal opportunities and economic pressures.

2. Impact on the U.S. Labor Market

• Sectors like construction and hospitality, which rely on immigrant labor, may face worker shortages due to mass deportations.

3. Political and Economic Consequences for India

• Domestic backlash: Opposition parties may criticize the government for failing to create enough jobs, pushing people to seek work abroad illegally.
• Economic strain: Families of deported individuals may suffer financial hardship due to job losses.

Way Forward: A Multi-Faceted Approach

1. Strengthening Legal Migration Pathways
   • Expanding visa programs and bilateral agreements to facilitate safe and structured migration.
2. Enhancing Diplomatic Efforts
   • Engaging with the U.S. to ensure fair treatment of deported individuals and explore solutions like temporary work permits.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns
   • Educating potential migrants on the risks of illegal immigration and promoting alternative legal routes.
4. Addressing Root Causes
   • Boosting job creation in India through economic reforms, skill development programs, and industrial growth to reduce the push factors of illegal migration.

Conclusion

Illegal emigration is a growing challenge for India, requiring urgent and empathetic intervention. A balanced approach involving diplomatic negotiations, legal migration facilitation, and domestic economic improvements is essential to tackle the issue effectively.

5. Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM)

Why in News?

The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM) with the goal of advancing India’s nuclear power capabilities. The key objectives include:

• Developing 5 indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033
• Achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 as part of India’s clean energy transition
• Allocating ₹20,000 crore for R&D, with increased public-private collaboration in advanced nuclear technologies

Policy & Legislative Changes

1. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 → To allow private sector participation in nuclear energy development.
2. Changes to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 → To attract foreign investment by easing liability concerns.

Key Developments in Nuclear Energy Expansion

1. Current and Future Nuclear Power Capacity

• Current nuclear power capacity: 8,180 MW
• Target for 2031-32: 22,480 MW
• Ongoing Projects:
  • 10 nuclear reactors under construction, contributing 8,000 MW
  • Locations: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and others

2. Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Reactors

3. Key Infrastructure and Discoveries

• New uranium deposit discovered at Jaduguda Mines, extending operational life by over 50 years.
• Operationalization of 700 MWe PHWR units at Kakrapar (KAPS-3 & 4), Gujarat.
• Rajasthan Atomic Power Project-7 (RAPP-7) reached criticality in 2024.

4. Public-Private Collaboration & Joint Ventures

• NPCIL-NTPC Joint Venture (ASHVINI) → Established to develop nuclear power plants in India.

Significance of the Nuclear Energy Mission

1. Energy Security & Sustainability → Reduces dependency on fossil fuels, ensuring long-term energy independence.
2. Decarbonization → Nuclear power as a clean energy source, replacing coal-fired plants.
3. Technological Advancements → Development of advanced reactor technologies like SMRs, HTGRs, and MSRs.
4. Economic Growth & Investment → Attracts private and foreign investment, boosting nuclear infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM) is a transformative step in India’s clean energy transition, aiming to expand nuclear power capacity, enhance technological advancements, and integrate private sector participation. The ambitious 100 GW target by 2047 reflects India’s commitment to a sustainable and energy-secure future.